The plan would have addressed part of the state Constitution calling for a uniform system of free public schools and was part of a two-pronged effort to redeem former Gov. Jeb Bush's Opportunity Scholarships.

The vote was 16-9, and 17 are needed to put something on the November ballot. "This is a good day for Florida," said teacher union president Andy Ford. "The commission has taken a serious look at what they were about to do and they realized it was wrong."

About the blog

Gradebook features education articles and insights on schools in Florida, focusing on Tampa Bay area schools. What's the latest from the Florida Department of Education? How is the FCAT being used to compare Florida schools? What's going on in Tampa Bay schools? Get an insider's view from the Times education reporting team.